Tukwila, WA – Owners, Lane Smith and Cliff McElroy announced today the promotion and restructure of club personnel including Jon Billings as the Executive Director of Sounders Women and Sounders FC U-23. Billings is responsible for financial and business operations, sales and marketing, sponsorship, and administration of the Seattle Sounders Women and Sounders FC U-23.

Billings serves as a Sounders Women and U-23 representative on all USL matters and USL Annual General Meetings in Tampa, Florida. . He will also continue as the club’s Director of Communications and Play by Play Broadcaster for radio and video

“The two franchises, Sounders Women and Sounders U-23 have made fantastic strides last season and throughout this offseason,” Billings said. “I’m pleased to help continue the clubs’ growth and connect to our community partners.”

Lane Smith said, “Having two USL Soccer franchises associated with Sounders FC requires a strong management structure. Organizing Jon’s role to tie in with both clubs will expand outreach and drive greater visibility for both clubs in the community. Jon has great passion for our organization and is invaluable to our ownership and staff.”

Billings has been with the organization in different forms since 2006. Last season he played an integral role in earning the PDL Progress Award, W-League Marketing Award, and the W-League Organization of the Year.

Smith added, “Jon has done a fantastic Job working with both clubs for sponsorships, community partnerships, communications, and business operations.”

Technical operations for the teams, including player recruitment, coaching, and soccer management, will be managed in part by each team’s coaches and Technical Directors.

Jon is a graduate of Gonzaga University. While at GU, he played soccer and basketball. Following school and a short stint in professional basketball in Europe, Billings began a career in sports broadcast and administration.

Billings has managed various roles for the Seattle Sounders Women & Sounders U-23 (Tacoma Tide), including Director of Communications, since 2006. In addition to team roles, Jon free-lance broadcasts for TV and Radio. He announces on Fox Soccer Channel as well as locally on various networks. Jon also calls various matches for the Sounders FC on SoundersFC.com.